Home to Mt. Binahon Agro Forest Farm in Bukidnon

After a hearty organic sumptuous lunch at Jaya's Secret Garden, we traveled to Lantapan in Bukidnon to visit the 4th farm, the Binahon Agro-Forest Farm.

The Binahon Agro-Forest Farm was located at the foot of Mt Dulang Dulang, dubbed by Filipino mountaineers as "D2", it is one of the high elevation peaks in the Kitanglad Mountain Range, in Bukidnon.

It was a long walk as we had to leave the van some 2km away because of the muddy terrain leading to the farm.

Some of our fellow bloggers walked uphill but I was lucky enough to hop into Sir Henry's pick up car to get into the farm. He told us that during the rainy season, the road is not passable except to a pick up van or truck.

It was raining hard the afternoon we reached the farm and we were really looking forward to a hot bowl of soup and a warm bed,

The girl manning the Binahon Agro-Forest Farm led us to our room with 8 to 10 bunk beds inside, complete with clean towels and blankets set aside in each bed. She informed us to proceed to the training room for a short discussion and dinner right after.

I immediately took a bath even if the water was icy cold. I quickly changed and went to the training room right after.

We met with Sir Henry Binahon, the owner of the eight-hectare Binahon Agro-Forest Farm. He formally introduced himself to us, and told us about his advocacy in farming. He explained how he started with the farm business together with his wife Perla.

In 1992 the couple, bought a 2.75-hectare land in the sitio of Bol-ogan. Initially living in a small hut on their piece of land, the couple started immersing themselves with the different farming practices used by local farmers as well as participating in several Agro forestry trainings. From the knowledge that they gained from experience and through self-study, they slowly worked their way into developing their land. Some years after, they expanded their property by purchasing nearby lands. They also expanded the farm with a resource center and training facilities.

Like the other farms we visited, Binahon is into organic farming rather than the conventional. He believes that you can produce healthy crops and trees without the harmful effect of fertilizers. He is dedicated to sustainable farming practices that preserve the soil. (His farm is a great example of how to diversify, add value to farm products, and hook up with the nearby community)

He imposed farming in Mindanao and accept training among farmers, students or those who are interested in organic farming. His farm offered group tours, thus he has for rent bunk beds for guests to stay overnight.

Binahon has the same weather as Baguio so I was glad I brought 1 denim jacket, a sweatshirt and 1 cover up.

After a restful night, We woke up at 6am and proceeded to the farm tour headed by Sir Henry.
As we walked on every trees and plants along the way. He told that he practices sustainable ecological agriculture, applies different farming systems for the purpose of production as well as conservation. The greens was relaxing and comforting. This was communing with nature at its best. We chanced upon a tree bearing red leaves, he still has to google what's the name of the tree as it was similar to Japanese Cherry Blossom. He also grew Chinese lemons, among others.

After 2 hours of touring, we had a hearty breakfast and packed our things to get ready for the last farm tour at Kitanglad.

My realization is that if you have a passion for plants and crops. You can grow your own trees and fruits and can make a living out it.

It was journey worth remembering. Thank you ATI Agricultural Training Institute of the Philippine Department of Agriculture and fellow blogger Ruth Floresca for the educational organic farm tour.